Work

Microkinetic Modeling of Plastic Waste Catalytic Cracking with Phosphorus-Modified Mesoporous HZSM-5: An Iso-Octane Model Compound Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis offers a promising route to valorize plastic waste. While phosphorus-modified mesoporous HZSM-5 exhibits high selectivity (84 wt % yield) toward valuable C 2 –C 4 olefins, the underlying reaction mechanisms remain unclear. To address this, we developed a microkinetic model, using iso-octane as a plastic waste surrogate, and compared its predictions to experimental cracking data on both unmodified and modified HZSM-5. Our analysis revealed three key effects of the modifications: enhanced mass transfer due to mesopores, suppressed primary β-scission reactions, and reduced intermolecular hydride transfer. These effects are correlated with alterations in the zeolite’s acid site concentration and type of acid sites, providing insights for further optimization of this high-performing catalyst for the desired olefin production.

Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.5c01928

Authors: Yannick Ureel, Anas Jamil Abdulrahman, Oğuzhan Akin, Maarten K. Sabbe, Kevin M. Van Geem

Institution: Ghent University

Language: English

Topic: Zeolite Catalysis and Synthesis

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: green

Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek